Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed his own motives that included promoting his books and testing out his theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He wrote that the negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's destiny and those severe cutbacks required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote how his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
